Part memoir, part literary criticism, part science, this book has something for everyone. If non-fiction isn't your thing- rest assured Aiello has crafted a expose' that is driven by personal narrative, compelling storytelling, and empathetic analysis. I was bewitched from the very start. Aiello doesn't shy away from writing through their pain, nor do they hold back from a deft critique of the way mental illness is treated by media, literature, the medical establishment, and society at large. They aptly shed light on what it feels like to live with bipolar disorder, trauma, and the never ending pursuit of being okay. Their frustration seeps through the story and just when you feel like you can't hear anymore- they bring you back to the light. I am so impressed with this book. Highly recommend!

When I finished this book, I couldn’t help but think about The Backwards Hand and No One Cares About Crazy People. Both of these reads tackled society’s views on disability and mental illness, delivering with strong, unique voices. The Monster and The Mirror shares that same powerful passion for a topic that truly deserves more discussion. The author’s tone really stands out here, making you feel like you can’t help but give her your full attention and, at the same time, deeply relate to her experiences.

As a person with a disability, I found so many moments in this memoir where I felt truly seen and heard. It also made me reflect on the ways in which communities marginalize or engage with those living with mental illness. One of the standout elements for me was the author’s brilliant analysis of how pop culture portrays illness and disability—so often reduced to underdeveloped, misunderstood, or downright evil tropes.

I can’t recommend the audiobook enough for this read. I had the privilege of receiving both the digital ARC and the audiobook ARC, and hearing the author narrate her own story added such a deeper layer of connection. Her changes in tone and cadence elevated that vulnerability that’s already present in the writing. After all, who better to tell your story than you? Having the author’s voice deliver the raw and real moments only made everything resonate that much more.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more from K.J. Aiello. Her narration felt balanced in ways that were comforting, conversational, and passionate. She has a perspective and voice that not only makes her stories her own but also challenges the way we look at characters—and even ourselves. I have to genuinely applaud her for capturing so many raw moments while keeping the read engaging in its own way.

Thank you to NetGalley, ECW Press, K.J. Aiello, and ECW Press Audio. I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy.

I am very much the target audience for a book like this.

I am always to interested to learn about the things media perpetuates through its tropes and characters. This one dives deep into mental illness and what we see on screen/ read in books and what the author experiences through childhood to adulthood before they got their diagnosis.

MANY of the nuances pointed out where not things I had ever thought about but were very logical and well thought out. I will absolutely not be able to look at things the same way and i hope that was the point of the book.

Thanks to netgalley and ECW Press for an alc

This book is so captivating. I identify with the whole nature vs. nurture for my mental health. Is my mental illness the product of the life I was made to live or because I was born this way. It’s such a beautiful story.

I listened to this in audiobook form and it was read by the author. I love that so much. It is her story, it’s so very personal. She knows the feelings she felt in those moments so there is no one better to read the story with feeling. I feel like this particular book, given its contents, is best read by the author themself.